Picture the scene. It's a scorching summer’s day, perfect for a bike ride. You get your new bike out the shed and BAM! – it’s too small.
To help you avoid that situation, we’ve come up with a handy guide on how to pick the right size of bike. A correctly fitted bike will not only be more comfortable and enjoyable to ride, but it will be safer and more efficient too.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a size, it’s all about what feels comfortable to you. So, before you get started, think about the bike type you’re after and your riding style as these factors will affect the size of bike you buy.
How bikes are measured
Adult bikes are measured by their frame size, usually from the centre of the chainset to the top of the seat post. Mountain bikes are generally measured in inches (in), and most road bikes are measured in centimetres (cm).
Kids bikes are measured by their wheel size and range from 12inch balance bikes up to 26inch junior bikes. It's usually recommended that children age 11 and above should consider an adult bike.
Sizes aren’t always universal; different manufacturers may use different frame sizes so be sure to check the manufacturer’s own size guide before you buy.
In-between sizes and can't decide?
If you’re in-between sizes, here are a couple of easy ways to help you choose whether to size up or size down.
Can you touch your toes? This one might sound silly, but if you can touch your toes while off the bike, or get close, you're pretty flexible and might be better off with a smaller frame. Nowhere near them? You’d probably prefer a bike with a bigger frame.
Not scientific enough for you? Grab a measuring tape and measure your ape index. Your ape index compares your arm span against your height. If your arm span is shorter than your height, go for a smaller frame. The reach to the handlebar on a smaller frame will be shorter so will probably feel more comfortable. If your arm span is longer, go for the bigger frame.
Mountain bikes
Mountain bikes are perfect if you spend more time off road on trickier terrain.
|
Rider height (inch) |
Rider height (cm) |
Frame size (in) |
Frame size (cm) |
|
4' 10" - 5' 2" |
148cm - 158cm |
13" - 14" |
33cm - 37cm |
|
5' 3" - 5' 6" |
159cm - 168cm |
15" - 16" |
38cm - 42cm |
|
5' 7" - 5' 10" |
169cm - 178cm |
17" - 18" |
43cm - 47cm |
|
5' 11" - 6' 1" |
179cm - 185cm |
19" - 20" |
48cm - 52cm |
|
6' 2" - 6' 4" |
186cm - 193cm |
21" - 22" |
53cm - 57cm |
|
6' 5" – 6’6” |
194cm – 198cm |
23" – 24” |
58cm – 60cm |
Hybrid bikes
A hybrid bike is the perfect compromise between road handling and speed, with some off-road capability.
|
Rider height (inch) |
Rider height (cm) |
Frame size (inch) |
Frame size (cm) |
|
4’8” – 5’1” |
143 – 155cm |
13" |
44cm |
|
5’1” – 5’4” |
155 – 163cm |
15" |
48cm |
|
5’4” – 5’7” |
163 – 170cm |
16" |
51cm |
|
5’7” – 5’10” |
170 – 178cm |
18" |
54cm |
|
5’10” – 6’0” |
178 – 183cm |
19" |
56cm |
|
6’0” – 6’3” |
183 – 191cm |
20" |
58cm |
|
6’3” – 6’5” |
191 – 196cm |
21" |
60cm |
|
6’5” – 6’9” |
196 – 205cm |
22" |
62cm |
Kids bikes
Smaller wheeled bikes are often lighter and easier for smaller children to handle.
|
Age (Years) |
Rider height (inch) |
Rider height (cm) |
Wheel size |
|
First bike |
2' 11" - 3' 5" |
88 - 105 |
Balance |
|
3 - 5 |
3' 3" - 3' 8" |
98 - 112 |
12 inch |
|
4 - 6 |
3' 5" - 3' 10" |
105 - 117 |
14 inch |
|
5 - 7 |
3' 8" - 4' 2" |
112 - 127 |
16-18 inch |
|
6 - 9 |
3' 10" - 4' 6" |
117 - 136 |
20 inch |
|
8 - 11 |
4' 2" - 4' 9" |
127 - 145 |
24 inch |
|
9 - 12 |
4' 6" - 5' 0" |
138 - 154 |
26 inch |
Please note that these are general charts and bike sizing will differ from bike to bike and between bike types.
Why not view our full range of bikes and cycling accessories, and start your own two-wheeled adventure today?
Not sure where to start, we've listed a few of the best bikes on Autoparts here.
